WATCH: Netanyahu outlines vision of a 'demilitarized' Gaza after Israeli defeat of Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country would only accept “total victory” over Hamas as a condition of ending the war in Gaza.

“The day after we defeat Hamas, a new Gaza could emerge. My vision for that day is of a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza," Netanyahu said in his address Wednesday to Congress. "Israel does not seek to resettle Gaza, but for the foreseeable future, we must retain overriding security control there to prevent the resurgence of terror.”

Netanyahu said that Palestinians who "do not seek to destroy Israel" could run a civilian administration in Gaza. He also called for the creation of an alliance against Iran and proposed naming it the "Abraham Alliance" as an extension of the Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration in 2020, which resulted in the opening of ties between Israel and four Arab countries.
Netanyahu’s appearance before Congress comes as the Israeli leader faces criticism both abroad and at home over Israel’s war in Gaza and the hostages who have not been rescued after being taken from Israel on Oct. 7.

More than 50 Democratic lawmakers as well as one Republican lawmaker and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahu’s speech. Democrats who support Israel have also spoken out against Netanyahu.

Thousands of protesters have gathered near the Capitol to demonstrate against the war, which has led to the death of more than 39,000 Palestinians and plunged the Gaza Strip into a humanitarian crisis.

Netanyahu is due to meet with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, and with former President Donald Trump on Friday.

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